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M3 or Alpina B3S?
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- Lifer
- Posts: 8849
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- Location: Spaldingski
M3 or Alpina B3S?
What do you reckon? I have always revered anything with an Alpina badge.
The two cars here are options for me but I know little (read nothing) about the Alpina makeover. Just on rarity value the Alpina has got to be the better bet, no?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... dal=photos
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... ars&page=2
The two cars here are options for me but I know little (read nothing) about the Alpina makeover. Just on rarity value the Alpina has got to be the better bet, no?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... dal=photos
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... ars&page=2
All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
- LeeZ4MR
- Lifer
- Posts: 4206
- Joined: Sun Sep 02, 2012 2:36 pm
- Location: Lincs
M3 or Alpina B3S?
I do like how rare the Alpina is, but the M3's V8 holds a lot of appeal(especially roofdown). My brother in law has had his E93 V8 M3 for 9 years this year, and he's been really happy with it. I've enjoyed a few drives in it too!
I've never seen one of those Alpina Convertibles...mega rare for sure.
I've never seen one of those Alpina Convertibles...mega rare for sure.
Current...BMW F82 M4 Coupe 2018
370Z Roadster 2011
Merc GLE400d 2022
Caterham 7 2002
Previous...
640d 2012
330i 2006
Z4MR 2006
E92 M3 2009
X5 4.8iS 2004
TVR Cerbera 4.5
370Z Roadster 2011
Merc GLE400d 2022
Caterham 7 2002
Previous...
640d 2012
330i 2006
Z4MR 2006
E92 M3 2009
X5 4.8iS 2004
TVR Cerbera 4.5
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- Lifer
- Posts: 8849
- Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2021 7:20 pm
- Location: Spaldingski
M3 or Alpina B3S?
According to the advert, only 25 UK examples. It's a 335i engine though, whereas the M3 has a v8! Both are bl00dy expensive!
As it will be a garage queen doing very little mileage, I'm trying to ascertain which is the best "investment". It's got to be the Alpina in my eyes just for rarity.
Look at the Alpina E85! How much are they holding their value?
I do wish Alpina wouldn't splash their insignia all over the back, though. Less is more, no?
All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
- Mr Tidy
- Legend
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- Location: North West Surrey
M3 or Alpina B3S?
I'd buy the M3 for the V8 (and the red interior)!
I know Alpinas tend to hold their value, but over time most M models do too and at the end of the day surely it's more about which you are going to enjoy more than which is going to depreciate less?
I know Alpinas tend to hold their value, but over time most M models do too and at the end of the day surely it's more about which you are going to enjoy more than which is going to depreciate less?
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
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- Lifer
- Posts: 8849
- Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2021 7:20 pm
- Location: Spaldingski
M3 or Alpina B3S?
I sort of agree. It's just that I may also enjoy the "exclusivity" as much as the drive. Let's face it, these are heavy BMWs with no roof, they ain't racing cars. I found another https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Alpina-B ... SwHF1f8GYp
All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
- Argyll Andy
- Lifer
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- Joined: Mon Oct 21, 2019 10:16 pm
- Location: Argyll & Bute
M3 or Alpina B3S?
Before opening the links it was going to be M3 all day long, particularly with that engine, but on seeing them I prefer the look of the Alpina.
Rarity may hold the money better in the Alpina and the V8 might not be everyone’s cup at resale time. Almost everyone who’s into cars fancies a V8 but most folk baulk and don’t buy one at the end of the day, mostly down to running costs
Both bl00dy expensive as you say.
Rarity may hold the money better in the Alpina and the V8 might not be everyone’s cup at resale time. Almost everyone who’s into cars fancies a V8 but most folk baulk and don’t buy one at the end of the day, mostly down to running costs
Both bl00dy expensive as you say.
G29 M40i Thundernight with Ivory interior, all option packs (here for a while, hopefully )
G29 M40i Misano Blue all option packs (Gone 26k of fun)
E89 35iS, Valencia Orange, Design Pure Traction pack (Gone)
E89 23i sDrive, Silver (Gone)
- MerBrook
- Member
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- Joined: Wed Feb 05, 2014 3:26 pm
M3 or Alpina B3S?
You may find information about the Alpina that helps you in your decision making from the Alpina register site.
Alpina Roadster S Lux No.169, E86 Coupe Si Sport, Gone E86 Coupe Si SE
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- Lifer
- Posts: 8849
- Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2021 7:20 pm
- Location: Spaldingski
M3 or Alpina B3S?
Thanks I'll have a look.
I've read a couple of reviews on the B3. Opinion seems good, as Alpina worked their magic well on the 3 litre six. Also they have a custom exhaust which emulates the V8 quite well apparently.Argyll Andy wrote: ↑Thu Feb 11, 2021 9:57 pm Rarity may hold the money better in the Alpina and the V8 might not be everyone’s cup at resale time. Almost everyone who’s into cars fancies a V8 but most folk baulk and don’t buy one at the end of the day, mostly down to running costs
I do like the idea of something "different". The price difference for same age and mileage car is about 3-5k. There are only 2 Alps for sale, though.
All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
- Argyll Andy
- Lifer
- Posts: 5375
- Joined: Mon Oct 21, 2019 10:16 pm
- Location: Argyll & Bute
M3 or Alpina B3S?
Based on that then, I think you’re answering your own question. Would need to be the white one for me. The black is too much black and IMO a pita to keep clean any longer than the end of the drivewayPondrew wrote: ↑Thu Feb 11, 2021 11:14 pmThanks I'll have a look.I've read a couple of reviews on the B3. Opinion seems good, as Alpina worked their magic well on the 3 litre six. Also they have a custom exhaust which emulates the V8 quite well apparently.Argyll Andy wrote: ↑Thu Feb 11, 2021 9:57 pm Rarity may hold the money better in the Alpina and the V8 might not be everyone’s cup at resale time. Almost everyone who’s into cars fancies a V8 but most folk baulk and don’t buy one at the end of the day, mostly down to running costs
I do like the idea of something "different". The price difference for same age and mileage car is about 3-5k. There are only 2 Alps for sale, though.
G29 M40i Thundernight with Ivory interior, all option packs (here for a while, hopefully )
G29 M40i Misano Blue all option packs (Gone 26k of fun)
E89 35iS, Valencia Orange, Design Pure Traction pack (Gone)
E89 23i sDrive, Silver (Gone)
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- Senior Member
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M3 or Alpina B3S?
Normally I would take the Alpina over it's equivalent M car but in this that V8
2009 sdrive30i auto Sapphire Black / Coral Red
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- Lifer
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M3 or Alpina B3S?
Alpina for me - only because the e90 M3 seems a bit chavvy and common...and for the extra grunt the Alpina has (less HP, but over 100lbft extra due to the twin-turbos).
The Alpina is also unrestricted from the factory
The Alpina is also unrestricted from the factory
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- Senior Member
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M3 or Alpina B3S?
according to wikipedia...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpina_B3_(E90)
i think i'd stick with the regular M3, because V8. also, the wheels, bodykit, badging and pinstriping look too fussy for me on most Alpinas.
Actually, i'd probably just go for a standard 335i, source some M3 wheels for it and remap it up to Alpina levels.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpina_B3_(E90)
i think i'd stick with the regular M3, because V8. also, the wheels, bodykit, badging and pinstriping look too fussy for me on most Alpinas.
Actually, i'd probably just go for a standard 335i, source some M3 wheels for it and remap it up to Alpina levels.
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- Lifer
- Posts: 8849
- Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2021 7:20 pm
- Location: Spaldingski
M3 or Alpina B3S?
I have the same opinion. The Alpina has a "gentleman's M3" feel about it. I am 53, not 23.
All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
- Huzee4
- Senior Member
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- Location: South West Wales
M3 or Alpina B3S?
That Alpina ......
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Steve
E85 2.5 SE Maldives blue
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- lucasxdiniz
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M3 or Alpina B3S?
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